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Our 2004 treks and expeditionsAbove: Eric kicks back. Here is a list of treks and expeditions we have previously
advertised and ran. * means these wonderful people have trekked multiple times with us. 2004 Autumn-WinterEverest Gokyo Christmas - NepalThe Everest region is our second home and we know some amazing trails and 'secret' spots to share with our trekkers. We have time to explore the stunning Gokyo lakes, Buddhist gompas and relax with friends in cozy Sherpa lodges. Join us for Himalayan peak views under crisp, blue December skies. Dates: 8-28 Dec, 21 days. Services: teahouse style. Leaders:
Joel & Kim. Cost: US$1880. A wonderful Christmas trek, with blue skies, a light dusting of snow, and just a bit of chilling wind to remind us that we were trekking in the Himalaya. Perfect Gokyo views, Kim's birthday overlooking Gokyo lake, a few bottles of wine en route down, Joel providing shopping tips (and examples) en route and a classic 'Sherpa' Christmas with Santa and all in Lukla. Doug has it all on video, we'll keep you posted of the film festival next featuring his film. We saw the girls that we sponsor in Monjo, where we had a Christmas Eve with plenty to eat and drink, and Phura Diki from Jorsale found school sponsors - Camilla & David. And countless good times and laughs both on the trek and back in Kathmandu! A reunion is in the planning! DCXP Lobuche EastJamie worked for DCXP as one of the four assistant guides guiding a team of 10 from Adelaide up to the top of the ridge on Lobuche East. Nangpa La *exploratoryA last minute trip planned on the back of an envelope. Dates: 26 Nov-13 Dec. Services: teahouse and light expedition. Cost:
shared. Everyone else was probably grateful they didn't have to sleep out on top of the Nangpa La. Jamie did for the third time, and was charged by a yak for his pains, imagine dancing around in -10C in just socks and longjohns for half an hour while the yak tossed his gear. We also crossed an unmarked pass into the Gokyo valley, quite an achievement, and even bagged a research peak, but perhaps the most satisfying was camping out lots of beautiful nights then relaxing at one of the most beautiful spots, Gokyo. 
Everest Base Camp trek - Gokyo and Kala Pattar - NepalExperience the Sherpa high country and the incredible mountains. We allow two extra trekking days over all other companies for weather hiccups and so that you can acclimatize properly. If you come this far you want to get there! Most other foreign companies use tents. We can't work out why, when the teahouses are so good... Dates: 12 Oct-4 Nov, 24 days. Services: teahouse trekking. Leader:
Kim Bannister. Cost: $1980. What a trek, and never has the Everest region dispensed so much hot water for showers! From Jim's post-election diatribes against Bush to just about everyone in the Everest region, jokes and stories (heard around the lodge before sunrise), his birthday at Kala Pattar around a cozy stove, Margaret providing the softer side of the southern culture and keeping us laughing through the trek, Carolyn as princess (but the strongest and fastest ever to have hit Everest) dressed in lovely luminescent lemony-lime jackets, Terry always quick with a witty comment or some good Aussie humor, and the dynamic duo Jason & Simon, great company to the end, Simon the photographer always with camera in hand to record the moments and Jason, well, just Jason (you've got to experience a trek with Jason). Wonderful weather and views throughout, and Dawa Yangi has found a school sponsor, Margaret! Namche ExplorerFor my mother & friends, aged 65 to 77!!!! Dates: 14-28 Oct. Services: teahouse trekking. Leader:
Jamie McG. 
Manaslu MagicImagine the Annapurna Circuit before it became popular - adventurous and even a little tough, that's the circuit of Manaslu. Beginning in picturesque Gurung villages we trek up to Tibetan settlements near the border then, with glaciers groaning nearby, cross the 4910m Larkya La. A true classic. Dates:
3-24 Oct, 22 days. Services: Expedition style. Leader: Joel Schone. Cost: US$2200. Amazing views and people, great team; all healthy, all really enjoyed this incredible trek. Diaries soon. Manaslu Magic and Remote Nar Phu - NepalAn extended trek. Spectacular snow-peaks, glaciers, isolated Tibetan villages, gompas, yak pastures, open forests and canyons. Trekked Nepal? Think again! Dates: 3 Oct-3 Nov, 32 days, and can be extended further. Services:
expedition-style. Leader: Joel Shone. Cost: US$2880. Goodbye to John and hello to Ewa; as John was only on one trek; Nar Phu is too hard to put into words. Just say that we though Manaslu would be a hard act to follow, and it wasn't! After Nar Phu we all tea house trekked to Jomsom, Ben carried on around the Annapurna circuit, and Allison, Bob, and Joel headed up to the Khumbu; thank you for your company! Nar PhuFor those that don't want both...
Dates: 14 Oct-3 Nov, 21 days, and can be extended further. Services:
expedition-style. Leader: Joel Shone. Cost: US$1980. Chomolhari & Jitchu Drake trek - BhutanDates: 28 Sept-9 Oct, 14 days. Services:
expedition-style. Leader: Kim Bannister. Cost: $4280 (plus 2-3
person surcharge of $450). Well, it didn't go exactly as planned with Project Himalaya veteran Michael returning to trek, but this time in Bhutan were we encountered the muddiest trails for 15 years (living trekking history). And then came the rain ... which cut the trek short, but we did have enough gear for a full expedition, so at least were comfortable. We returned to Thimpu and Paro, and Michael & Ron flew out to Bangkok. I think they'll be back, but maybe not in Bhutan! Cho Oyu Expedition 8201mWanna climb something HIGH but as straightforward as BIG mountains get? Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain on the planet. Our Fall climb is a fully supported and guide-assisted effort, but with more freedom than any other foreign company gives. We think innovatively and differently from most other companies and have the energy to get you there. If you pay this much money you want the best shot you can get. Dates: 5 Sep-19 Oct, 45 days. Service: guide-assisted.
Guide-manager: Jamie McGuinness. Success. See the dispatches for some great photos of the expedition. 
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2004 Ladakh SummerLadakh Canyonlands – Ladakh, IndiaThe place we love the best, with an incredible new route to the tiny Kingdom of Zangla and its fortified palace via some of the most beautiful high passes in the region. We finish in the Indus valley through the red-tinted canyons of the Jumlam, the 'middle way'. A trek for lovers of remote canyons, wild routes, wildlife, and the Ladakhi people. Dates: 5-28 Sept, 24 days. Services: expedition-style.
Leaders: Joel and Kim. Cost: $2340. Hard new routes are hard work, and though we got some stomach bugs and early snow, we thoroughly enjoyed Project Himalaya's second outing on the incredible Jumlam, from a spectacular but difficult start in the Shillakong gorge, through bear country and countless rivers Bob did some extra 'exploring', showing up at camp after dark as Joel searched down the valley for him (and we made sure dinner was hot!), Fred sang the whole way through the trek and helped us all across the rivers, Pik was just great company, and Bob, well Bob ... ! Kim & Joel had a hard time keeping up, but are officially much more zen-like. 
Himalayan Wild - Zanskar-Ladakh, IndiaIn 2003 we discovered a complex of stunning valleys in the heart of the trans Himalaya of Ladakh, and this year we return to take time to explore them more fully, while taking in most of the classic Zanskar traverse. Dates: 7 Aug-3 Sept, 28 days. Services: expedition-style.
Leaders: Kim and Joel. Cost: $2340. Every year we get amazing trekkers (where DO they all come from, we wonder), and this trip was among the 'best of' in terms of laughs and diversity in such a small group. Kim finally got Colorado ex-housemate (or landlord, if the truth must be known) and Big Aggie rep, Melissa (you all know the Big Agnes products?) out to India to trek, so lots of catching up and girl talk! We had an incredible day or two in bear valley, Joel had Kim collapsing in fits of laughter when he took the bear spray to the toilet and the weather was full on classic Zanskar; hot. Joel Singer was in the kitchen with Temba and the fish sauce many evenings, Matt & Ellie kept a journal of 'did-this-really-happen'ings and kept us in stitches, Tom, Melissa & Kim howled to the wolf-like moon at the end of the trek (even Sherap joined in), Kim & Melissa discovered an injured horse that they fell in love with, and Tom was just some of the best company you could ask for. Come back! 
Ellie, Kim, Tom, Joel Singer and Melissa. Joel took the pictures and Matt was hours ahead! Caravan 6000 exploratory - Ladakh, IndiaWILD. We continue our exploration series and hope to reach the mysterious "Rupshu Icecap" as pilots call it. A 6000+m mountain or two beckon, and a few little-used mountain passes. Dates: 10 Aug-4 Sep, 26 days.
Services: expedition-style. Leader: Jamie McGuinness. Cost: US$2480. Classic exploration, and someone said you have to suffer to enjoy. We did suffer cold river crossings, freezing rain occasionally and a few tummy bugs but also thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, we climbed a 6000m mountain, not the one intended, and crossed the mysterious Rupshu Ice Field--we know its secrets--and left the region using two passes that few trekkers have ever crossed. Jamie explored two other passes and we will explore this area further next year. With a slightly early finish that gave us time to explore Dharmasala as well. 
Clockwise: Lobsang, Eric, Andriya, Brian and Rana (cook); Jamie took the photo. Caravans of Changthang – Ladakh, IndiaOur classic route through the high pastures of the nomads of the Changthang in its 5th year; and although a few trekkers have discovered the awesome beauty of the high Tibetan plateau and its unique wildlife, we are perhaps the only company that stops for salt butter tea and dried apricots with our nomad friends in their yak wool tents. Dates: 7 July-7 Aug, 32 days. Services: expedition-style.
Leaders: Kim and Joel. Cost: US$2560. You want logistics? This summer we proved we were the masters. We started in two groups until Nimaling when Joel did the pass to Rumtse with Matt and Helen and the Caffrey family, and Tom and Corrine, 'formerly known as Team 1', joined Kim's team. Then the Caffreys returned to Leh with Joel, and Matt and Helen headed for Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, and in Leh Joel picked up Jean, Jenny, Kirsty, Lou, Michelle, Steve, Lois, Don, Jim, Steve, and Chris ... and headed to Tso Moriri via Pang where we all met up. Kim's group went a day ahead on the Parang La, and we all met up in Manali for a huge meal. We had TERRIBLE weather but with trekkers like this, who cares? 
Kamden, Daireen, Kevin and Gerard, Helen** and Matt**, Joel front Kim's group had a bit of 'front and back' trauma, but in the end it was somewhat sorted out, and we had enough laughs (not least of which were supplied by 'Miss Zouska', who irregularly appeared in the dining tent with spiky hair) to smooth out the wrinkles. En route, we almost adopted a pet goat (who peed on Kim), climbed a few unmarked 'prayer flag peaks', had a real 'happy hour' in the dining tent in Dat, many climbed a 6000 meter peak atop a 5800 meter pass with Lobsang, who had just lost his horse (which he had just bought the day before; found on Jamie's next trek!), we camped over 5000 meters in beautiful meadows next to the nomads, did some nomad shopping at 5100 meters, and really just had an amazing time. We left the trailblazing to Dave, Annie, Charlene & Corrine. The excitement continued after the trek as we had to negotiate sections of a mountainside below the Rotang pass, the road being lost to a landslide - in the dark! Excitement being the order of the day during this trek ... 
Kirsty, Lou,***** Jenny, Jean** and Michelle** Hemis Festival and Nubra - Ladakh, IndiaShort but sensational. Once every 12 years the famous brocade tangka is unveiled - this year. After the festival we embark on a short trek to the lovely, desert Nubra valley with its Bactrian camels and willow trees. Updated dates: 25 June-7 July, 13 days. Services: expedition-style.
Leaders: Kim and Joel. Cost: $1300. After the colorful Hemis festival, we trekked up the stunning valley in back of Leh towards the pass to Nubra, but snow conditions meant we could not get over the pass (but we did get to the top!), so after a few cracked ribs (Kim's) and some awesomely beautiful campsites, we drove over the highest motor-able pass in the world to Nubra and had a fine time anyway! Carsten, Marina & Samuel, veteran trekkers, broke in the newly arrived Tom, fresh for his next trek with us! Broad Peak 8046m - PakistanJamie guided Field Touring Alpine's Broad Peak Expedition. Dates: 16 June-5 Aug, 51 days. Service: professionally lead.
Guide-manager: Jamie McGuinness. Cost: $6150 - budget price, budget service. Success! See the dispatches for a diary of the expedition, also see their Karakorum8000 website. *Jamie is the first kiwi (New Zealander) to climb the true summit of Broad Peak! 
Markha Valley for Robert and familyRobert, Hallie and Sandy after 3 years of planning, and it went like a dream! Robert does a fine impersonation of a British Colonel and we coped with heat, and deep snow; and a deeply appreciative group...come back soon! 
Zanskar Spring - Zanskar-Ladakh, IndiaOur timeless Zanskar odyssey into Ladakh, the 'land of passes'. Zanskar is a remote kingdom of warm, colourful people, traditional whitewashed villages with lush fields, dramatic cliffs and spectacular hilltop monasteries. This year we trek a route variation pioneered in 2003 and as a bonus time our arrival in Leh to coincide with the Hemis festival (see below). Dates: 4 June-2 July, 29 days. Services: expedition-style.
Leader: Kim (and Joel for part). Cost: $2480. What a group we had for the first of our epic summer of treks, never a lull in conversation in the dining tent, and rarely on the trail either, starting with a crossing of the Shingo La where Joel, sadly, had to leave us, discovering 'ancient bon rituals', getting through quite a few bottles of rum in our Tibetan dining tent at night (except for Marina), hot-hot-hot in Zanksar, so Samuel in his impeccable outfits left us for the cooler climes of Leh before the Nubra trek, Ken for a mysterious other person in far-off places. Neal kept us laughing throughout the harder times, Kathryn kept us enthralled with stories of exotic places and Marina with 'the bizarre and unexpected', and Uta, Lorenz and Christine added a bit of class to the trip, Uta knitting her way through the Himalayas (and giving Kim THE most wonderful pair of multi-colored socks after the trek!). And the shopping just never stopped, yak-hair rugs the toast of the dining tent! 
2004 SpringCho Oyu Expedition 8201mWanna climb something HIGH but as straightforward as BIG mountains get? Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain on the planet. Our Spring climb is a fully supported and guide-assisted effort, but with more freedom than any other foreign company gives. We think innovatively and differently from most other companies and have the energy to get you there. If you pay this much money you want the best shot you can get.
Dates: 11 Apr-25 May, 45 days. Service: guide-assisted.
Guide-manager: +Jamie McGuinness. 
See our expedition dispatches for a diary of the expedition. Custom KhumbuA private group for a relaxed look around the Everest region - for that 'classical' view of Everest!
Dates: 28 Mar-23 Apr. Services: teahouse trekking. Leader: Kim Bannister. Cost:
$2080. These Catalanians, Elisabet & Albert, have been 'Everest dreaming' for years, and after not being able to sort out a Tibet trip for them last year due to the SARS epidemic, we put together a last minute Everest trip up the Kala Pattar side, with Lhakpa as guide #2, and early morning leader (while Kim organized logistics INSIDE the lodges!). Highlights abounded, such as an avalanche off the Nuptse wall (side trip from Chukhung) and unbelievable views and a 'new' route to Lobuche along the glacier rim from below Gorak Shep, and not an afternoon's siesta missed en route! Everest Base Camp trek - Gokyo and Kala Pattar - NepalExperience the Sherpa high country and the incredible mountains. We allow two extra trekking days over all other companies for weather hiccups and so that you can acclimatize properly. If you come this far you want to get there! Most other foreign companies use tents. We can't work out why, when the teahouses are so good... Dates: 25 Mar-17 Apr, 24 days. Services: teahouse trekking. Leader:
Joel Schone. Cost: $1880. 
Mera Peak 6476m - NepalSee Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga all at once! And those are just the 8000m mountains, never mind the spectacular rest. Yep, one stunning panorama and one great expedition experience. Dates: 14 Mar-5 Apr, 23 days. Services: expedition-style.
Leader: Dawa Gelje. Cost: $1950. John felt unusually sane compared to the looney Frenchman who had a Grivel ice axe break on him and blamed his sherpa and to the suicidal Canadians that fell into a crevasse. Everest Base Camp trek - Gokyo and Kala Pattar - NepalExperience the Sherpa high country and the incredible mountains. We allow two extra trekking days over all other companies for weather hiccups and so that you can acclimatize properly. If you come this far you want to get there! Most other foreign companies use tents. We can't work out why, when the teahouses are so good... Dates: 3-26 Mar, 24 days. Services: teahouse trekking. Leader:
Joel Schone. Cost: $1880 / €1480. Chadar Zanskar - Ladakh exploratory - IndiaThe summer way into Zanskar crosses many passes, in winter the locals simply walk the frozen Zanskar River... And we will follow into the Kingdom of Zangla. We build on Joel's Feb 2002 trek, which he is still raving about. Dates: 30 Jan-26 Feb, 28 days. Services: light expedition-style. Leader: Joel Schone. Cost: US$2220. Group max size: 4. We know this is a great trip, but this year none of the people interested actually booked, which is sad as it really is a unique trip. Next year instead. (And we ran two trips in 2005 to make up for this!) 
jdesign -- all rights reserved -- frozen in time July 2013 |